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Sunday, June 10, 2012

"Singin' In The Rain" Hits Theaters on July 12th For A One Time Screening

There aren't too many chances to see classic movies on the big screen anymore. So mark July 12th on your calendar: Turner Classic Movies will be sponsoring a one-time only showing of the classic musical Singin' In The Rain in select theaters across the country. The film will also be released on Blu-Ray in honor of its 60th anniversary.

The screening begins with an original production featuring TCM host Robert Osborne in an exclusive specially produced interview with star Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds shares memories of working with the late Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.

Considered one of the best musicals ever made, (and #5 on AFI's Top 100 film list), Singin' In The Rain is a sly satire about dashing Hollywood swashbuckler Don Lockwood(Gene Kelly) who tries to find love while adjusting to sound features. His current film may also be his last: it's being turned into a talkie, co-starring silent star Lina Lamont (Oscar-nominated Jean Hagen), who regretfully has a voice that could shatter cement.

Singin' In The Rain is the quintessential MGM musical: brightly shot, full of vigor, with a well crafted screenplay by (songwriters) Betty Comden and Adolph Greene, and sparkling performances. The musical numbers are now legendary: besides the title number there's also "Good Morning!" "Make 'Em Laugh," and "Beautiful Girl," among others.

Although overlooked at the Oscars, the film's reputation steadily grew over the years. Singin' is now considered by many the best musical ever made. Another MGM musical, about a washed-up film star trying to mount a Broadway comeback, is also in the same league. Check out The Bandwagon (1954), starring Fred Astaire, which features the iconic song "That's Entertainment."

If you've never experienced the joy of seeing a classic in a real theater, this is one show not to miss.